Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007 | 7:17 a.m.
Regarding soldiers dangling cigarettes in their mouths while fighting a war (Larry Wyntjes' Feb. 8 letter headlined "Smoking soldiers set bad example for kids"), I couldn't help but wonder why Mr. Wyntjes missed the real message we are sending our young people all over the world: That it is OK to send our troops into a war based on lies - without the necessary equipment to protect them - and into a country that does not want us there, letting our young men and women fight religious wars for Iraq, where they will be still fighting over religion 200 years from now. The war has cost us over 3,125 lives as of Monday - and still counting - and thousands injured and billions in tax dollars.
Yes, I agree that smoking is very bad for anyone's health. All those who smoke should try to stop this addiction. However, I think the lesson learned by our young people from these pictures on TV will not be that it's OK to light up a cigarette while under fire, but how much this ill-begotten war has cost our nation and see that we never get into a situation like this ever again.
If only smoking in a foxhole would provide a way back home for these brave military personnel, I would gladly send them all the cigarettes I could afford. If I were in their shoes, I would be wanting something a lot stronger to calm my nerves.
Eunice Bohannon, Henderson
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